The Garden crowd was electric during the pregame introductions. It felt as loud as a playoff game. A new era of basketball is being ushered at the Garden. Unlike recent years, there is real hope for Knicks fans, who have been craving for winning basketball for over a decade now.

They began the season on Tuesday against the defending champs in Cleveland. It was a tough spot to start. Cleveland was amped up to unveil their championship banner and receive their rings because it was the city’s first major sports title since 1964. On top of that, the Knicks starting five had not played a single game together in the preseason. As a result, the Knicks got hammered on opening night.

However, last night was a complete ruckus at the Garden. The Garden faithful cheered loudly for their heroes. The Knicks would not disappoint. They began the game on fire. The Knicks were passing the ball, getting fast break points, and shooting exceptionally well from the court. The Knicks would lead 32-19 at the end of the 1^st quarter.

The Knicks carried their hot start into the 2^nd quarter. However, Memphis fought back right before halftime and in the 3^rd quarter. The Knicks were up by as many as 18, but the Grizzlies cut the lead to 2 in the 4^th quarter. Coach Hornacek called a timeout and sent in Rose, Anthony, and Noah. The Knicks responded with 12 straight points, took a 14-point lead, and the essentially ended the game.

These are who the Knicks can be this season. This team can become unstoppable if everyone stays healthy and sticks to the gameplan. They have multiple options on the offensive end. From Rose and Lee in the backcourt to Anthony and Porzingis in the frontcourt, the Knicks can be lethal on the offensive end. On defense, Noah provides an anchor this team desperately needs down low, and Lee can guard anyone on the perimeter.

Derrick Rose played in only one preseason game because of his civil trial, but he looks explosive through two games. The Knicks haven’t had a point guard that can penetrate the defense like this in years. He is easily getting to the basket, getting easy layups, and looks healthy.

Anthony finally has help in New York. Ever since Anthony was traded to the Knicks back in 2011, this is only the second time that the Knicks have had a complete team around him. The last time they had a team like this was in 2012, and they ended up winning 54 games that year.

The balance of this team was apparent in the box score. There were 5 Knicks who scored in double figures, one being Kyle O’Quinn off the bench. Noah was the only starter to not hit double figures for points, but he contributes with 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and furious tenacity on defense.

This team certainly has some question marks. Can they stay healthy? Will there be cohesiveness with two starts and an emerging start? Will the players be able to learn the triangle? Is there enough depth on the bench?

These are all legitimate questions about the Knicks this year. The Knicks will have lapses on defense. They will get banged up throughout the year. They will revert to isolation ball from time to time. However, even with all this uncertainty, there is a new hope at the Garden. There is hope that this team will finally deliver for New York. They will finally deliver a winner.